Another Great COA Convention!

Chris Whitt, Gary Kidder, Tina Petway, yours truly, Sam Ankerson. Gary and Tina are from the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Photo: Ron Bopp.

The 2024 Convention of Conchologists of America (COA) was held last week at the Hilton Melbourne Hotel, in Melbourne, Florida. The National Shell Museum & Aquarium was represented by Executive Director Sam Ankerson, yours truly, and Marine Biologist Chris Whitt.

The Shell Bourse at COA 204. Photo: José H. Leal.

Large-shells "still life", at the Shell Bourse, COA 2024. Shells courtesy @Femorale. Photo: José H. Leal

I presented the talk “Life After the Flood: Exhibits Renovation at the National Shell Museum & Aquarium,” including an outline of the revamped displays in the Museum’s “Living Gallery” and a sneak preview of the exhibits planned for the “Great Hall of Shells.” The next COA Convention will take place between July 7–12, 2025, in Corpus Christi, Texas. 

Rich Goldberg reported on the conchological legacy of Henry Monroe. Photo: Meg Goldberg.

Dan Minior paid a tribute to Alan Gettleman and Harry Lee (in photos), both deceased since the 2023 COA Convention. Photo: Linda Riley Powers.